Lawyers’ Society Pushes for Accountability, Independence at 2nd AGM
By Sorie Sesay
The Lawyers’ Society has called for stronger institutional independence and accountability as it convened its 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 8 April 2026 at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
Held under the theme “Institutional Independence and Reforms as Pillars of Democracy,” the meeting brought together legal practitioners and civil society actors to reflect on the role of the legal profession in safeguarding democracy.
In his opening remarks, President of the Society, Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, described the organization as a critical pillar in promoting democratic governance, despite what he called persistent challenges facing the legal sector.
He credited members and supporters for sustaining the Society’s activities and emphasized that the body is committed to holding public officials accountable. Marrah stressed that the Society would resist any attempt by political actors to influence its mandate, insisting that it remains a non-partisan platform focused on justice and the rule of law.
“The Society is not just a group but a movement,” he said, adding that its work extends beyond lawyers to all Sierra Leoneans seeking transparency and fairness.
Delivering a statement, Brima Koroma urged legal practitioners to uphold integrity and professional ethics. He warned against the growing influence of financial incentives in legal practice, noting that compromising standards for personal gain undermines public trust in the justice system.
Koroma advised lawyers to avoid conflicts of interest, maintain client confidentiality, and demonstrate discipline both in and outside the courtroom.
In a keynote address, Abdul M. Fatoma, Chief Executive of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International, challenged the Society to strengthen its voice in national discourse.
He questioned why, after more than two years, the Society’s influence on key national decisions remains limited, urging it to take a more assertive stance on governance issues.
Fatoma underscored that institutional independence is a fundamental right, warning that without a legal profession free from political and economic pressures, democratic progress would remain fragile.
He concluded by calling for greater transparency and accessibility in public institutions, stressing that reforms must prioritize the interests of all citizens.
The AGM ended with renewed calls for legal reforms and a stronger, independent justice system as essential foundations for Sierra Leone’s democratic future.
